Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

You will have a
tracheotomy
to allow you to breathe during and after surgery. This creates an opening from the outside of your neck to your windpipe. A tube is inserted through the opening to allow for air flow. It is usually temporary.

If part of the tongue needs to be removed, the doctor will remove this cancerous section. The remaining area of the tongue will be sewn so that there is no hole. Sometimes, a small graft of skin will be used to fill the hole. This skin graft will then be sewn into place.

If the entire tongue needs to be removed, this is a more complicated surgery. The doctor will remove the diseased tongue. A piece of skin from your wrist will also be removed. This skin graft will be placed in the hole left by the tongue. Blood vessels will also be attached from any remaining tongue to the graft. This is to ensure blood flow.

Occasionally a new tongue will be constructed from tissue removed from the thigh, forearm, or chest.

Sometimes the lymph nodes in the neck will also need to be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

Several hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

7-10 days

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While recovering at the hospital, you may receive the following care:

Supplemental oxygen for the first 1-2 days

Fluids and medications will be given through an IV.

Special boots or socks to help prevent blood clots—You will also be encouraged to get out of bed as soon as possible.

Instructions to breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times every hour for the first few days—This will decrease the risk of
pneumonia
.

Nutrition through a tube—When you are able to swallow, you will be able to have drinks and pureed food. If a total glossectomy is done, you may need a permanent feeding tube in your stomach.

In addition, your doctor may have you:

Work with a speech therapist to learn to speak and swallow after surgery

Begin
radiation therapy
to treat the cancer if it had not been given before

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

You will need to continue working with a speech and therapist. Your doctor may advise self-care measures and medications to ease discomfort or prevent infection. Work with a dietitian to come up with a meal plan that works with your situation.

Call Your Doctor

It is important for you to monitor your recovery after you leave the hospital. Alert your doctor to any problems right away. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Difficulty swallowing or choking on food or liquids

Swelling, excessive bleeding, or discharge from mouth

Pain and/or swelling in the feet, calves, or legs

Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting

Increased pain

New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.